🇵🇱Poland📍Gdansk📷Selected attractions✅

Gdańsk is a coastal city located in northern Poland. The Port of Gdańsk is the largest port in Poland and one of the largest ports on the Baltic Sea coast. Gdansk boasts numerous Renaissance and Baroque buildings, primarily concentrated in the main town and Old Town. These two districts are also home to the main tourist attractions, making a one- or two-day itinerary more than sufficient!

Our trip primarily focused on the main town. Here are some highlights of the attractions we visited!

1. Gdansk Main Town Hall

Located at the end of Long Street (Ulica Długa) in the main town, Gdansk's Main Town Hall is a prominent landmark and a striking building. Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, this Gothic structure has undergone numerous reconstructions over the years to reach its current state. It houses the Gdansk History Museum (Museum of Gdansk), a great place to learn more about Gdansk's history!

We didn't visit the museum this time, but rather enjoyed the Main Town Hall from a different perspective! Gdansk Main Town Hall

📍Gdansk Main Town Hall
Address: Długa 47/49, 80-831 Gdańsk

2. Artus Court
Located near the Town Hall in Gdańsk's main town, Artus Court, built in 1350, was once a mansion and is now part of the Gdańsk Museum.

📍Artus Court
Address: DBugi Targ 43-44, 80-831 Gdansk

3. Neptune's Fountain (Fontanna Neptuna)
Located in front of the Artus Court, the Neptune's Fountain depicts the sea god Poseidon, known as the patron saint of Gdansk. The Artus Court and the Neptune's Fountain form a beautiful composition, making it a popular photo spot for postcard-worthy Gdansk photos!

📍Neptune's Fountain
Address: DBugi Targ, 80-833 Gdansk

4. The Great Armory in Gdansk

The Great Armory in Gdansk was built between 1602 and 1605. Its architectural design is imbued with Dutch Renaissance style, adorned with gilded sandstone statues. It has also weathered the vicissitudes of time, burning down during World War II and subsequently being rebuilt. Part of the building is now used by the Gdansk Academy of Fine Arts, where art exhibitions are often held!
We hadn't originally planned to visit this attraction, but since our hotel was right near the Gdansk Great Armory, we were struck by its beauty as we passed by it. Every time we passed it, it captivated us. It felt more like an art gallery than an armory!

📍The Great Armory in Gdansk
Address: Targ Wglowy 6, 80-836 Gdansk

5. St. Mary's Church
St. Mary's Church is the largest brick church in the world and one of the largest brick Gothic buildings in Europe! Admission to the church is free, but the tower next to it is paid. Climbing the tower offers panoramic views of the Gdansk cityscape, but be prepared to climb 409 steps!

📍St. Mary's Church
Address: Podkramarska 5, 80-834 Gdansk

6. Three City Gates: High Gate (Brama Wyżynna), Golden Gate (Długouliczna Brama), and Green Gate (Zielona Brama w Gdańsku)

Gdańsk has three main city gates: the High Gate, the Golden Gate, and the Green Gate. These three gates extend along the Long Street and the Long Square, known as the "Royal Palace Road"!

The High Gate (Brama Wyżynna), also known as the Upper City Gate, was built in the late 16th century and is a representative example of Renaissance architecture. It is one of the main entrances to Gdańsk's Old Town and now serves as a tourist center!

The Golden Gate (Długouliczna Brama), originally known as the Long Street Gate, is an ancient city gate leading to Long Street. Its Dutch-style architecture was unfortunately under partial renovation when we visited!

The Green Gate (Zielona Brama w Gdańsku) is located between the Long Square and the Motlawa River. Its architectural inspiration comes from the Antwerp City Hall in Belgium, built between 1568 and 1571, was once the palace of the Polish monarchs and now houses the National Museum!

7. Motlawa Riverbank
At the end of the Long Square, pass through the Green Gate and you'll reach the Green Bridge and the Motlawa Riverbank. Standing on the Green Bridge and photographing the Long Square is definitely the most beautiful photo spot in Gdańsk!

The scenery on both sides of the Motlawa Riverbank is beautiful. The buildings near the Green Gate are more retro and colorful, while the buildings on the other side of the Green Bridge are more modern. The rooftop design is so consistent, it feels like you've traveled through time and space!

In the distance, you can see the Gdańsk Crane (Brama Żuraw w Gdańsku), the largest and oldest surviving harbor crane in Europe and one of Gdańsk's iconic landmarks! It's best viewed from Kładka Grzegorza Bridge. It's time for some shopping!

If you're looking for shopping, Gdańsk has large shopping malls. Forum Gdańsk and Galeria Madison are both near Gdańsk Główny train station. After living in the UK for a long time, flying into Europe makes you feel incredibly affordable, making it easy to get caught up in the shopping spree! I already had a blast on my first day!!!

8. Katownia
Across from the High Gate (Brama Wyżynna) is another red brick gate. This is Katownia in Gdańsk. Built in the second half of the 14th century, it is a medieval fortification in the main town of Gdańsk. Along with the prison tower and prison, the building was listed as a historical monument on September 1, 1969. After the modern fortifications were built, the entire building was converted to a torture chamber, courtroom, and prison. To the east of the prison tower stood a pillory, where many executions were carried out! The torture chamber is now a branch of the Gdansk Museum!

📍Katownia
Address: Targ Wglowy 26, 80-836 Gdansk

Travel Reflections:
I personally love Gdansk, Poland. The architecture in the main city is beautiful, and the city is peaceful, relaxed, and comfortable!

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